Marketing and Communications Lead

Our client, a top-tier co-educational group of secondary schools (Nursery, Primary, and Secondary) in Nigeria, is looking to hire a Marketing & Communications Lead to develop and execute a medium-to-long-term brand and communications strategy. This strategy will enable the school to achieve its enrollment targets, highlight its commitment to delivering 21st-century educational excellence, and strengthen its reputation as a leading academic institution.

The Lead will oversee all marketing communications operations, drive the Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) strategy, position the school’s brand competitively, and build out a robust, high-performing marketing structure for the entire organization.

Responsibilities

Strategic Planning

• Develop and implement comprehensive marketing and communications plans aligned with the school’s enrollment goals, retention targets, and institutional vision.
• Identify target audience segments (e.g., prospective parents, alumni, local community) and develop tailored strategies to effectively engage them across various channels.

Content Development

• Lead the creation of compelling and persuasive content for marketing materials, including school website copy, social media, parent newsletters, prospectuses, and promotional materials.
• Collaborate with academic departments, school leadership, and the admissions team to highlight student achievements, alumni success stories, and institutional milestones.

Digital Marketing & CRM

• Manage and oversee digital marketing campaigns across multiple platforms, including social media, email marketing, search engine optimization (SEO), and targeted online advertising.
• Utilize Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems to track prospective family journeys, optimize admissions pipelines, and address parent inquiries proactively.
• Monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) to track the effectiveness of digital marketing efforts and optimize strategies.

Media Relations

• Cultivate relationships with media outlets, educational journalists, and relevant influencers to generate positive coverage and increase visibility for the school\'s programs and events.
• Prepare and distribute press releases, media pitches, and event media kits to secure premium media placements.

Brand & Department Management

• Ensure brand consistency and integrity across all communication channels and materials, maintaining a cohesive, prestigious visual identity (logos, colors, messaging).
• Develop and manage the marketing department’s budget, monitor expenditures, and ensure all communications objectives are met cost-effectively.
• Oversee and coordinate community engagement, open house promotions, and outreach activities to develop brand awareness consistent with the school’s goals.

Must have skills

• Strong writing and storytelling skills, with the ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate with parents and students.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders (parents, teachers, school board, media).
• Strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and a focus on results-driven outcomes (enrollment and engagement metrics).
• Strong experience with CRM software, KPI tracking, and data-driven marketing decisions.
• Outstanding written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• High level of accuracy and a meticulous approach to brand representation.

Qualifications

• BSc/BA degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, or a related field. (Master\'s degree is a plus).
• Minimum of 7–9 years of total experience in marketing, communications, or public relations, with at least 2–3 years in a leadership or managerial role.
• Proven experience in brand marketing, preferably within the premium education, luxury lifestyle, non-profit, or corporate sectors.
• High proficiency in digital marketing tools and platforms, including social media management, email marketing, and web analytics.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace (Google Workspace, MS Office suite, etc.) and standard marketing software.